Ensuring performance through regular maintenance
When it comes to fire safety, fire curtains are an essential component, providing both fire containment and smoke control. Below, we delve into what fire curtains are, their typical uses, and the importance of regular maintenance to ensure they remain compliant with current fire safety standards.
What Is a Fire Curtain?
Fire curtains are advanced fire safety systems designed to act as barriers during a fire. They are typically made from fire-resistant materials and deploy automatically when a fire is detected. Fire curtains are often integrated into a building's fire safety system, working alongside alarms and other fire safety products to slow the spread of fire and support safe evacuation routes. They are ideal for spaces where fixed barriers are not practical, offering customised solutions to fit various building designs and requirements.
Maintenance Requirements for Fire Curtains
To maintain the functionality and compliance of fire curtains with current safety regulations, regular and thorough servicing is crucial and lawful. Maintenance activities should encompass a detailed inspection of the deployment mechanism to ensure it operatescorrectly in an emergency, a close examination of the curtain fabric to detect any signs of wear or damage, and the replacement of any components.
Compliance with BS EN 16034 and, more critically, BS 8524 standards require not just routine checks but also strict adherence to servicing protocols. These standards are in place to guarantee the integrity, reliability, and safety of the fire curtain system.
For the product to remain compliant, servicing must be performed every six months exclusively by companies holding third-party accreditation to BS 8524 Part 2. This accreditation ensures that the service provider has demonstrated the expertise, processes, and quality controls necessary to meet stringent regulatory requirements. Furthermore, only the original manufacturer's replacement components must be used during maintenance. These will be the only components that are specifically designed and tested to work with the fire curtain system.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the responsibility of the “Responsible Person” within a building to ensure that all fire safety products, including fire curtains, are properly maintained, tested and compliant. Failure to do so not only compromises safety but can result in legal consequences.
Why Choose A1S Group?
A1S Group is a leading UK manufacturer, installer, and exporter of fire curtains, offering high-quality, certified products tailored to diverse needs. Their systems follow stringent safety standards, including BS 8524 Part 1 and Part 2, and are backed by a 12-month guarantee. With extensive experience and a commitment to safety and compliance, A1S Group ensures that your fire curtains are always ready to perform when needed.
We are here to assist you to remain safe and compliant. For more information or to request a tailored quote, visit A1S Group's website.